Drought slashed honey production, hurt bee health in the Dakotas, Midwest; Increased pollination costs for West Coast
8/29/2021 6:01:35 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Business & Industry
Plants & Wildlife
AFFECTED AREAS:
California
Minnesota
Montana
North Dakota
Oregon
South Dakota
Washington
Start Date: 5/1/2021
- End Date: 10/31/2021
Drought devastated honey production in North Dakota as there was little nectar for the bees to gather for making honey. The North Dakota and Midwestern bees were also weakened and in short supply for pollinating crops on the West Coast like almonds and apples.
Drought is driving up pollination costs for California almond growers.
The Dakotas, Montana and Minnesota accounted for 46% of all U.S. honey production last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Some North Dakota apiarists expect honey production to be less than 50% of average this year. In Iowa, Sioux Honey estimates that drought could lower domestic honey production by 25% to 40% in 2021.
Reuters (New York), Aug 19, 2021
Sources
